3 hedgerow herbal helpers to have handy this harvest season
Whilst summer is fading into autumn and everyone seems to be getting excited about the short hop from here to the festive season, as someone who is experiencing chronic fatigue you’re inwardly groaning. More work for you and you are not really feeling up to the socialising everyone is talking about.
This time of year is HARD WORK for you. You’re already feeling tired and worn out and now you can’t stop seeing the early warning signs of a lurking cold waiting to pounce on you…. The last thig you want is to go down with a cold.
You may be wondering how you could give your immune system a boost to help you to ward off an unwelcome winter bug.
The good news is that natures store cupboard is open for business, as Mother Nature knows winter is coming and the hedgerows are full of herbs and berries that have been scientifically shown to have properties that could support the body’s immune system.
Why is it important to support your immune system if you have CFS?
Supporting our immune system is a good thing for all of us, but even more so if you have CFS because research has shown that people with CFS have an immune system that is not working at its optimum. So, giving your immune system a boost could be just what you need this autumn, to try to ward off any nasty viruses and it could help you to get your recovery back to feeling more like your old self back on track too.
In this blog I will share with you 3 plants growing in your local hedgerows that could help to boost your wellbeing this autumn and winter.
Rose Hips – a powerhouse of immune supporting vitamins
The first wonderful immune booster are Rose hips. These are a common sight in autumn hedgerows and they are a good source of food for both birds and humans. The medicinal properties of rosehips have been scientifically validated and they have been shown to be packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and vitamin E. In fact, they contain more vitamin C than citrus fruit, and vitamin C is known to support our immune system function.
The research has also shown that they have anti-viral properties too, so they could help to ward off colds.
I use rose in my practice as it is such a versatile plant and a great helper if you have CFS or other chronic illnesses as it can help in so many ways and the scientific research backs this up.
Photo by elaine alex on Unsplash
2. Apples – could they to keep “the doctor away?”
This may come as a surprise to you, but the common apple could be a real support to your winter wellness.
Apples are naturally high in vitamin C and variety of scientific studies are showing that apples may be able to help reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. It looks like there could be something in the old wives’ tale – an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
One of the benefits for CFS suffers, other than their vitamin c content, is that they could boost the good bacteria, like bifdobacteria, in the gut. With research showing that good gut health is important for a well-functioning immune system, apples could be a great help.
I love apples, particularly at this time of the year when they are in plentiful supply. A lovely bowl of stewed apples with cinnamon is a lovely breakfast alternative to toast and cereal.
A word of caution. Apples contain a chemical called salicylates, which some people have an allergy to.
3. Elderberries – a traditional medicine for warding off colds
Another common autumn berry is the elderberry. These berries have been traditionally used for thousands of years for their medicinal benefits and scientific research has shown that these wonderful tiny berries contain vitamin c and have immune enhancing and anti-viral properties.
These berries have been called ‘the medicine chest for country people’ for these very good reason, as they have plenty of other health supporting benefits to.
Carefully does it - a word of caution
You should only pick, use and cook berries if you have the necessary knowledge and skill to correctly identify the berries. Our hedgerows will contain plants whose berries must not be eaten as they are toxic to humans. If you are in any doubt as to whether the berry can be safely used, do not pick and use them and consult a qualified expert like a local forager.
Moving forward on your recovery journey
I really hope this blog has inspired you to consider the many ways you could give yourself a helping hand to get ready for winter. I have shared 3 of my favourite plants that could give you an immune boost, but the great news is that there are many more herbs and spices that could support your wellbeing this winter.
Nature really does give us the tools to help us stay as fit and well as we can. You can find more information in my blogs and in my free guide - 7 simple energy boosters for CFS sufferers.
I have personally seen how supporting your immune system can make such a big difference to my energy and wellbeing. I believe that when you have more energy and you feel like you can do all the jobs you need to, you can start to feel like you are living your life again and that’s a truly great feeling.
It is possible to naturally boost your wellbeing and start your recovery journey. Have you been inspired to give it a try?
Your top 5 take aways
1. Boosting you body’s natural defence system could help you to ward off colds and viruses this winter.
2. Research has shown that people with CFS have an immune system that is not working at its optimum.
3. A number of autumn berries such as elderberries and rosehips have been scientifically researched and show that these berries contain vitamin c and other substances that could enhance your immunity.
4. Apples are a source of vitamin C and could boost the good bacteria in your gut and in turn could help your body’s immune defences.
5. It is possible to support your immunity naturally and only pick berries and herbs if you have the necessary knowledge and skill to correctly identify them, otherwise leave it to a qualified expert.
Have you been inspired but feel you need some support?
As someone who used food and herbal medicine as the cornerstone to my recovery, I am in a unique position to understand what you may be feeling. I am committed to supporting your recovery by providing you with a safe space where you will not feel like you are being judged but will be treated with care and empathy.
I help people on a one to one basis, to ensure you get the dedicated, tailored support you need to help you to feel more like you once again.
If you’d like to discuss how working together could help you to kick start your CFS recovery journey, do get in touch. I offer a free 30 minute discovery call for us to chat about the help you are looking for and how I may be able to help you to feel like yourself again.
Important Information
If you are experiencing persistent fatigue or Chronic Fatigue symptoms, it is very important you first discuss how you are feeling with your GP before you start making any lifestyle changes. He/she may arrange tests and work with you to rule out any other serious illness and conditions that can cause chronic tiredness.
This content is provided for information only and does not constitute advice. It is recommended that prior to making any diet, supplement or other lifestyle changes, you first discuss these with your doctor or a qualified health care practitioner to ensure they are right for you.